The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center held the Second Purpose Pitch Competition, a new venture competition on May 3, 2018. This competition sets itself apart from others because we are promoting entrepreneurs to build what they believe with a purpose-driven business idea. We believe the purpose is innate wishing any company and has to be accessed to reach its full potential. Current DePaul University undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni, were eligible to compete. After a competitive process, 4 startups were accepted to do a 5-minute pitch their business and purpose. Startups focused their presentations not only on the business model but the overarching purpose and problem they are solving in society. A total of $25,000 in prize money was awarded to contestants.

This year’s purpose pitch winner was Ann Foley, Founder of 10th Avenue Tea. The first runner-up was Adero Knott, Founder of AK Prosthetics, followed by Estaban Perez, Founder of Universala Esports. The finalists were rounded out by Savy Leiser, Founder of the Furever Home Friends.

Pictures by Kathy Hillegonds/ DePaul University:

Special thank you to all of the sponsors that made the Purpose Pitch possible: Cedar Hill and Sheikh Faisal Center for Entrepreneurship in the Middle East.

The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center Grand Opening, September 28, was well attended by members of the Coleman Foundation, the Coleman Center Advisory Board, DePaul faculty, staff, students and alumni, and members of Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center now resides in a dedicated suite in DePaul Center to advise, inspire, and connect DePaul entrepreneurs from many backgrounds and interests.

During the Grand Opening, Rev. Dennis H. Holtscheider, DePaul University President, presented Coleman Foundation President Mike Hennessy with the Richardson Society Plate in recognition and appreciation of the contributions to the growth of entrepreneurship in Chicago by Mr. Hennessy and the Coleman Foundation.

With the support of the Coleman Foundation, Advisory Board, and generous donors, the Coleman Center can continue to expand opportunities to serve students.